Michael Sam's unimpressive combine

Former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam previously said he wanted to be judged only by his athletic performance, not his sexual orientation.

If that is the case, Sam is not going to like the reviews of his NFL scouting combine performance.

Sam participated in several drills on Monday, and delivered a poor performance in four important activities. His lackluster output reinforced why many NFL draft analysts believe Sam will likely be a mid-to-late-round draft pick who will have to make a roster as a special teams player.

Here are some of Sam’s numbers compared to other defensive linemen on Monday afternoon:

• 40-yard dash: 4.91 seconds (tied for 18th
• Bench press (225 pounds): 17 reps (tied for 47th/second to last)
• Vertical jump: 25.5 inches (tied for 39th)
• Broad jump: 114 inches (tied for 14th)

"I was kind of disappointed in my vertical jump," Sam told the NFL Network in an interview. "I think i was overthinking."

The lack of speed and upper body strength has to concern most NFL teams, but Sam’s absence of explosiveness in the vertical jump and broad jump is a bigger issue. NFL teams want their front seven players to have leg strength and the ability to attack an opponent. Sam’s lack of leg strength in those categories is a red flag.

In addition, Sam appeared stiff during his workouts. Sam appeared slow at times and lacked fluid movements. That lack of motion makes it tough for a defender to make adjustments after the snap.

To be fair, there have been plenty of players who have struggled at the combine, but had productive NFL careers. There have also been combine standouts that have flopped in the NFL. Running drills at the combine is not like playing in an NFL game, and scouts take performances like Sam’s with a grain of salt.

Ultimately, teams that are interested in Sam will study his college film to determine if he fits into their system. He was co-defensive player of the year in the SEC last season, and there are plenty of college games for scouts to analyze. Sam’s draft status will be determined by that film, not his performance on Monday.

He would probably prefer it that way.

https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-...-performance-unimpressive-200726801--nfl.html



This is what worried me from the start. I just hope the LGBTQ community understands the football side of things if he doesn't make a roster and not blame his sexuality. I fear the worst.

 

Ya bunch of homophobes how dare you.

 

I think they will die trying to make him one, but they will fail

 

Wasn't he projected as a mid-round pick at best anyways? He failed at the combine or did just as well as his ability would allow him to do. The only reason we know who this guy is cause he came out. Now during the draft we'll get constant updates on him not being picked. If he isn't picked then the LBGT community will cry foul but based on the combine isn't there a real good chance he will not be picked?